“Bicycle Race” by Queen: A Playful Ode to Cycling and Freedom
“Bicycle Race” is a lively and iconic song by the legendary rock band Queen, released in 1978 as part of their album “Jazz.” Written by the band’s lead vocalist Freddie Mercury, the song celebrates the joy and freedom of cycling with playful and witty lyrics. Let’s take a ride through the lyrics of “Bicycle Race” and immerse ourselves in the carefree spirit of the song.
Verse 1:
Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride it where I like
The song opens with a joyful chant of “bicycle,” immediately setting the tone for the playful ride that is about to begin. Freddie Mercury’s enthusiastic vocals and the catchy melody invite listeners to embrace the simple pleasure of riding a bicycle.
Verse 2:
You say black, I say white
You say bark, I say bite
You say shark, I say, hey man
Jaws was never my scene
And I don’t like Star Wars
In the second verse, Mercury employs wordplay to express his individuality and free-spirited nature. He playfully contrasts various opinions and preferences, asserting that he doesn’t conform to popular trends or interests like Star Wars. The lyrics embody the sense of independence and rebellion that cycling can represent.
Chorus:
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my bike
I want to ride my bicycle
I want to ride my
Bicycle races are coming your way
So forget all your duties, oh yeah
Fat bottomed girls, they’ll be riding today
So look out for those beauties, oh yeah
The chorus is an infectious celebration of cycling and the upcoming “bicycle races.” The lyrics repeat the desire to ride a bicycle while introducing the excitement of the racing atmosphere. The mention of “Fat bottomed girls” adds a cheeky and flirtatious tone, alluding to another of Queen’s hit songs, “Fat Bottomed Girls.” The combination of bicycle races and the allure of beautiful women on bikes exudes a sense of adventure and thrill.
Bridge:
On your marks, get set, go!
Bicycle race, bicycle race, bicycle race
The bridge mimics the start of an actual bicycle race, with the call of “On your marks, get set, go!” The repetition of “bicycle race” builds anticipation and enhances the lively energy of the song.
Verse 3:
Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
I want to ride my bicycle, bicycle
Bicycle, bicycle, bicycle
Bicycle race
The final verse reaffirms the central theme of the song – the sheer delight and exhilaration of riding a bicycle. The repetition of “bicycle” and “bicycle race” adds to the infectious and carefree atmosphere.
“Bicycle Race” by Queen is a spirited and timeless ode to the freedom, joy, and sense of adventure that cycling brings. Through its playful lyrics, catchy melodies, and Freddie Mercury’s dynamic vocals, the song captures the essence of embracing the open road on two wheels. Decades after its release, “Bicycle Race” remains an enduring anthem for cyclists and music enthusiasts alike, inviting everyone to join in the excitement of the ride.